Frame components and frame for constructing picture displays

ABSTRACT

A frame assembly for picture displays includes support frame elements that have support surfaces on an interior side for supporting a flexible picture carrier. A clamping frame element is pivotally mounted on the support frame element and will move from an open position wherein the picture carrier can be placed onto the support surface, to a closed position in which a portion of the clamping frame element forces the flexible picture carrier toward a recessed flange to create a tension in the picture carrier. A cam tensioning element is used for holding and locking the clamping frame element in its closed position. The cam can be made adjustable if desired.

The present application claims the benefit of priority under the International Convention based upon German Patent Application No. 102004 063 366.5, filed Dec. 30, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a frame component for constructing picture display frames as well as to a frame for picture displays constructed therefrom. The invention is also directed to a novel display.

Picture displays are used to a great extent for advertising, both inside and outside. Involved essentially are flat prints or image carriers that are tensioned on frames or are disposed in frames, and that, depending upon the application, are covered with a protective sheet, for example, of glass or plastic, and if needed, the prints are also back lighted. In the case of back lighting, an opaque diffusing screen is necessary for diffusing the light.

The frames used for constructing such displays generally include a base frame that carries the construction and that generally has side frame components or segments formed from an open extruded box section, primarily for reasons of weight. The components are joined at corners to form a periphery. Outer individual frame components or segments that surround the print or image carrier form an outer frame and are generally pivotably secured to the base frame components or segments, and overlie the base frame segment so that the outer frame segments can be pivoted away from the base frame segments to an open position for the insertion of a picture or picture carrier, and after insertion of the picture and pivoting the outer frame segments back to a closed position, the outer frame covers and holds the picture edges in a visually attractive manner. In this connection, the picture is generally disposed between a support flange of the base frame and the cover frame segments and is clamped in place with the cover frame when the cover frame segments are closed.

In particular for constructing large-surface displays, the picture carriers should be able to be presented in a manner that is as free of creases as possible and has a planar surface appearance but this is a problem with existing frames. A planar surface appearance is also desirable with small display formats, and even with picture carriers that are covered with protective sheets it is often the case that the picture carrier has a waviness or distortion behind the cover.

Although when clamping frames are used, spring elements are frequently disposed between support frame and clamping frame for pre-tensioning the clamping frame relative to the support frame, the spring forces are frequently inadequate to exert a sufficient pressure of the clamping frame upon the picture carrier in order to be able to present the latter in a manner free of creases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a frame component, as well as a frame for constructing picture displays that enable a presentation of flexible sheet picture carriers or pictures that are essentially free of creases or wrinkles, and also enable an easy exchange of the picture carrier in the frame with another picture carrier.

For the technical realization of this object, the invention proposes a frame component for constructing picture display frames, including a support or base frame element and a clamping frame element that is pivotably disposed on the support or base frame element. The clamping frame element can be held closed to clamp a picture carrier with a tensioning device for maintaining the closed pivotal position of the clamping frame element relative to the support frame element which elements are configured to provide a tension in the picture carrier.

With the present inventive approach, it is now possible to insure that the pivot position of the clamping frame element relative to the support frame element is at a fixed location. One thus has the possibility of subsequently tensioning the clamping frame relative to the support frame, and hence increasing the pressure the clamping frame exerts on the picture carrier to create tension in the picture carrier. The pivotal position of the clamping frame element can be controlled so that the picture carrier remains under a suitable tension, but remains undamaged.

Pursuant to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support frame element has a picture support edge that is offset relative to the position of the pivot axis. The pivot axis is generally disposed on the surface of the support frame element at the level of the plane of the supported picture or picture carrier, and parallel thereto. The clamping frame element is coupled to the pivot axis and is openable and closable so it covers the edge of the picture carrier that would be seen by a viewer. The picture support surface or edge is a region at the upper surface of the support frame member upon which the picture carrier edges are placed. The picture carrier edges are retained on the support wall with a suitable device, as shown with hook and loop fasteners of the type sold under the trademark VELCRO. Pursuant to the invention, the support surface for the picture carrier is formed with an offset flange portion that is lower than a portion retaining an edge of the picture carrier. The clamping frame element forms the visible surface of the picture frame, and extends in the direction toward the middle of the picture and will engage the retained picture carrier and force the flexible picture carrier toward the offset flange portion to create tension in the picture carrier.

The flexible picture carrier edge rests and is retained upon an upper surface portion of the support frame element and the picture extends toward the center of the picture frame to overlie the lower offset flange portion. The clamping frame element is spring loaded to bear on the picture carrier and urge it toward the offset flange. There is thus a tension exerted upon the picture carrier as the clamping frame element is pivoted to a closed position.

Pursuant to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support frame element has at least one formed box member. This can be an extruded member or a member formed in the desired cross section with a plurality of individual elements fastened together.

The tensioning device that forces the clamping frame element to a fully closed position and which can lock it closed can be constructed in a variety of ways. In the simplest case, it involves, for example, a cam that can be moved out of the support frame element to exert a force on a leg of the clamping frame element on an outer side of the pivot. This action presses the inner edge of the clamping frame element upon the picture carrier to urge it toward the offset flange. Adjustment or locking cams can also be formed at various locations.

The actuation for the individual cams can be mechanical, but they can also be hydraulic, or pneumatic cylinder operated. The tension adjustment cams can be mechanically coupled to one another and centrally actuatable.

Adequate tension in the picture carrier can be transferred by the tensioning arrangement through the clamping frame element onto the picture carrier, so that the picture carrier is free of creases or wrinkles. The clamping frame element is also secured against unintentional pivoting to an open position with the cams. To this extent, the tensioning device can also be provided with further securement means, e.g., locks or the like.

The invention also provides a frame for picture displays with which at least one side is formed from the described support frame element having a pivoting clamping frame element thereon.

Thus, the picture carrier, which is a flexible sheet, such as a film or thin plastic or other backing, can be tensioned in at least one direction.

Pursuant to a further advantageous function of the invention, the picture carrier attachment using hook and loop fasteners (sold under the trademark VELCRO) has one of the strips of the hook and loop fasteners disposed on the support frame element. The free end of the picture carrier can have the corresponding part of the fastener on the underside at the supported edge and thus the edge can be retained or secured in place on the support frame element. This securement location is on the support surface to the outside of the offset flange on the support frame element. The clamping frame element then exerts pressure upon the picture carrier toward the offset flange, thereby resulting in the picture carrier being tensioned.

It is advantageously proposed that the picture carrier be a film or thin sheet of plastic. It is to be understood that the ability of the picture carrier to be tensioned depends upon its strength. The invention can thus be combined with measures for reinforcing the picture carrier. In this connection, it is particularly advantageous, if the picture carrier is a film of plastic, which these days can be digitally printed and which is very resistant to any type of tearing, cutting into, and the like. The term picture carrier is to mean all types of pictures and illustration supported on the frame elements.

The invention is advantageously used for a light box display with the frame of the light box formed from at least one of the frame element assemblies of the present invention. The frame element assembly, including the base or support frame element and the pivoting clamping element is very effective to provide a wrinkle free picture carrier, in a display frame, and yet is low cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary corner assembly of a light box having a frame made according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of one embodiment of the invention taken on line 2--2 in FIG. 1 with a clamping frame element open;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional illustration also taken on line 2--2 in FIG. 1 with the clamping frame element closed;

FIG. 5 is an illustration taken on line 2--2 in FIG. 1 with the clamping frame element held in an adjusted, locked position;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the adjusting device with parts of the frame elements broken away.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the frame element assembly 1 includes a base support frame element or member 2 and a clamping frame element or member 3. In this connection, the components can be extruded elements, for example of aluminum that can be anodized. However, the frame elements are formed in a specific profile, as shown, and can also be multi-sectional and can be composed of a plurality of elements fixed together.

A part cylindrical pivot rail 4 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) is formed on the support frame element or member 2 at the upper side. The rail 4 extends along the length of the support frame element or member 2. The clamping frame element or member 3 has an inturned edge 3B and a socket 3A that receives the rail 4 and pivots thereon. A pivot axis is formed for the clamping frame element on the rail 4. A leaf or flat spring element 5 has one end disposed in a spring receiving groove 3C formed on an inner side of a tension creating wall 3D that extends downwardly from the main wall of the clamping frame element at the inner edge or side of the clamping frame element.

The opposite end of the leaf or flat spring element 5 is positioned in a groove 3E formed adjacent to the pivot rail 4, and to the interior or inner side of the support frame element 2. As can be seen in the Figures, the flat or leaf spring 5 is bowed to exert a force that produces a pre-load or bias on the pivoting clamping frame element 3. In the position shown in FIG. 2, the line of force exerted by the leaf spring 5 relative to the pivot axis 4 is such that the clamping frame element 3 is held in its open position, and in the position shown in FIG. 3, the line of force of the flat or leaf spring 5 relative to the pivot axis of the pivot rail 4 is such that it will urge the clamping frame element 3 to be held in the closed position, and this is further emphasized in the position shown in FIG. 4. The support frame element 2 has a laterally extending wall 6 that extends toward an inner side of the frame from the pivot rail 4, and forms a surface 6A that is a support frame for a picture carrier or film shown at 13.

As shown schematically, the edge of the film 13 is held or retained on the support surface of wall 6 with two strips of hook and loop fasteners, and one of the strips is shown at 7 on the upper surface 6A of the support wall 6, and the other portion is shown at 14A adjacent an edge 14 of the picture carrier 13.

The wall 6 has the upper support surface 6A as shown, and has an inwardly extending flange portion 8 formed integral with the wall and offset to be lower or offset from the plane of the surface 6A as shown. In other words, the support wall for the edge of the picture carrier has two levels, including the support surface 6A for the edge of a picture carrier, and the flange 8 that is recessed or below the support surface 6A. The support surface 6A is below the plane of the axes of the pivot rails 4 when the frame is assembled as well.

The support frame element or member 2 is a box construction as shown, and has an elongated inner side wall 9, and has a base or lower securement flange 10 that can be used for attaching to a back wall or the like for forming a light box, the corner of which is shown in FIG. 1 at 29. FIG. 1 also illustrates that the flat or leaf spring 5 is formed into short segments that extend between the support frame element and the clamping frame element. The light box 25 includes suitable lights indicated at 27 supported on a back wall 29. The lights can be fluorescent type light bulbs or other suitable lights that will illuminate the picture carrier shown at 13 in FIG. 1.

While the inner side wall 9 of the support frame element 2 is shown as being parallel to the outer side wall of the support frame element 2, these walls can be made in any inclination desired.

The picture carrier 13 can be placed onto the surface 6A of support wall 6 using the securing hook and loop fastener portions 7 and 14A with the clamp frame element 3 in its open position as shown in FIG. 2. The picture or image carrier 13 can be a suitable plastic film, as stated, so that it is flexible and is of suitable size so that it can be placed in the frame exemplified by the two members shown in FIG. 1 at one corner. A full rectangular frame can be utilized that can be quite large for supporting the picture carriers. Picture carriers in the range of 2 meters by 2 meters or larger can easily be placed into the frame assembly.

When the picture carrier is retained in place on the support surface 6A, essentially as shown in FIG. 3, the clamping frame member 3 can be pivoted on the rail 4 to its partially closed position shown in FIG. 3 where the end of the inclined wall 3D will engage the upper surface of the picture carrier 13. The hook and loop fasteners will prevent the picture carrier from moving relative to the surface 6A so that outer end wall 3D of the clamping frame member 3 will start to push the picture carrier downwardly toward the flange 8.

The clamping frame member 3 can then be moved manually, and under spring pressure, to the position shown in FIG. 4. If desired, the clamping frame member can be moved to this closed, clamping position and held there by a cam tensioning element illustrated generally at 11, which includes a cam member 12. The tensioning element 11 comprises a housing 11B that pivotally mounts the cam member 12 about an axis, and the housing 11B is placed between the wall 9 of the frame member, and an outer wall of the support frame element in a suitable location. Several of the cam members can be used along the length of the frame, and if desired, the housing 11 can have a recess for a spring element 11A that acts against the cam member 12 and will retain it in two positions.

Referring to FIG. 5, the housing for the spring 11A is shown schematically, and the housing 11 extends of sufficient length so that the cam member 12 is within the housing 11 in its dotted line position or retracted position of FIG. 5. When the cam member 12 is moved to its extended locking position shown in solid lines in FIG. 5, it engages the under surface of the edge portion 3B of the clamp frame element 3, and forces the clamp frame element 3 to its fully closed position as shown in FIG. 4. This operation of the cam member 12 can be obtained by moving a mounting hub 12A, which has a square drive opening 12B using a tool 15 that fits into the square drive opening. The tool can be rotated to rotate the cam member and lock the clamping frame element 3 in the position shown in FIG. 4. The end portion of the wall 3D will engage the picture carrier 13 in the location above or overlying the upper surface of the flange 8.

FIG. 3 shows the partially closed position of the clamping member 3, and the flat or leaf spring 5 will be exerting a resilient force to start to tension the picture carrier 13. The tensioning cam member or element 12 is operated via the clamping tool 15 which comprises a spanner wrench having a square end that fits into the square opening 12B of the hub 12A for the cam member to rotate the cam. Depending on the degree of rotation, the cam member exerts a pressure upon clamping element 3. This clamping pressure is shown by the arrow 17 in FIG. 4, and this will create a tension in picture carrier 13.

The rotation of the cam member 12 is frictionally loaded by the hub 12, and the position and outer configuration of the cam member can be selected so that the tension indicated by the double arrow 17 is adjustable to suit existing circumstances. Also, the cam profile can be selected to be any desired profile for obtaining the necessary tension in the picture carrier.

It should be noted that the ability to create tension in the picture carrier is established by having the support wall flange B at a different level from the retaining members for the edge of the picture carrier on surface 6A, and by utilizing a cam that can not only adjust the pressure but can lock the clamping frame member or element 3 in position so the clamping member is not opened unintentionally.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A frame for picture displays, including a support frame element, a clamping frame element pivotably disposed on an outer surface of the support frame element, and a tensioning element mounted on the support frame element and engaging the clamping frame element to establish a pivoted position of the clamping frame element relative to the support frame element.
 2. The frame according to claim 1, characterized in that the support frame element has a picture carrier support surface that is offset inwardly toward a center of the frame relative to a pivot axis of the clamping frame element on the support frame element, the clamping frame element pivoting to a closed position extending over the picture carrier support surface.
 3. The frame according to claim 1 characterized in that the tensioning element is cam operable provide a force on the clamping frame element to urge the clamping frame element to the closed position.
 4. The frame according to claim 3 characterized in that a mechanical manual drive is provided for actuation of the cam.
 5. The frame according to claim 2, characterized one element of a hook and loop fastener is mounted on the picture carrier support surface.
 6. The frame according to claim 1 characterized in that a back panel is supported on a side of the support frame element opposite the outer surface, and a light mounted relative to the back panel to form a light box for back lighted picture displays.
 7. The frame according to claim 5 wherein the support frame element has flange offset from the support surface in a direction toward a back of the support frame element, the clamping frame element having a wall portion that extends to overlie the flange and the wall portion having an edge that extends toward a back of the support frame element from the picture carrier support surface in the closed position.
 8. A frame element assembly for picture displays, said frame element assembly forming one side of a perimeter frame when assembled with other frame element assemblies, the frame element assembly including a support frame element having a picture carrier support wall with an upper surface along which a picture carrier is supported, and a back on an opposite side from the upper surface, a clamping frame element pivotally disposed on the support frame element adjacent an outer side of the support frame element and movable from an position wherein the picture carrier support wall is exposed for inserting a picture carrier to a closed position, said picture carrier support wall upper surface having a support portion including a member for engaging a picture carrier to retain the picture carrier from moving inwardly relative to the upper surface support portion, and the picture carrier support wall having an inwardly extending flange offset toward the back of the frame element from the picture frame upper surface support portion, said clamping frame element having a wall portion that extends inwardly beyond the upper surface support portion to overlie the flange, and the wall portion moving adjacent the flange and toward the back of the support frame element from the upper surface support portion when the clamping frame element is in a closed position.
 9. The frame element assembly of claim 8, wherein said member for engaging a picture carrier comprises a first portion of a hook and loop fastener.
 10. The frame element assembly of claim 8 wherein the clamping frame member is pivotally mounted onto an elongated rail extending along a longitudinal length of the support frame element, the clamping frame element having a socket receiving the rail for pivotal movement.
 11. The frame element assembly of claim 8 and a tensioning element mounted on the support frame element and movable from a position wherein the tensioning element is retracted to permit the clamping frame element to move away from the closed position, to a second position wherein the tensioning element holds the clamping frame element in the closed position.
 12. The frame element of claim 11 wherein the tensioning element comprises a cam rotatable between the retracted position and the second position.
 13. The frame element assembly of claim 9 in combination with additional frame element assemblies forming a perimeter picture frame, in combination with a flexible picture carrier to fit within the picture frame, said flexible picture carrier having edge portions, and a second portion of a hook and loop fastener being attached to the edge portions of the flexible picture carrier.
 14. The frame element of claim 13 wherein the wall portion of each clamping frame element of the frame element assembly engages the picture carrier supported on the upper surface support portion and creates a tension in the picture carrier as each clamping frame element moves to its closed position to force the picture carrier toward the flange.
 15. A frame member for picture displays, said frame member including a base frame having an upper surface along which a picture carrier is to be supported, a lower side, an inner side and an outer side, a clamp member pivotally disposed on the base frame adjacent an outer side of the base frame, the clamp member being pivotally movable from an open position wherein a support wall on the upper side of the base frame is accessible for placing and retaining an edge of a picture carrier on a first upper portion of the support wall, the support wall having an inwardly extending flange offset toward the lower side of the base frame from the first upper portion, said clamp member having a wall portion that extends inwardly beyond the first upper portion of the support wall to overlie the flange, and the clamp member being movable to a closed position wherein the wall portion is adjacent the flange to urge a picture carrier retained on the first upper portion of the support wall toward the flange.
 16. The frame of claim 15 and a movable member mounted on the base frame element to move from a clamp member release position to a position holding the clamp member in its closed position. 